Manchester United fans call for Luke Shaw position change upon return from injury
Manchester United fans call for Luke Shaw position change upon return from injury
Luke Shaw is set to return to the Manchester United matchday squad this weekend against Everton.
One of Manchester United‘s key men, Luke Shaw has been absent since August after picking an injury against Tottenham Hotspur.
In his lieu, Erik ten Hag has filed a revolving door at left-back with several names featuring there, inevitably all failing to make the same impact as Shaw, with Paul Scholes even naming him as a huge loss.
Victor Lindelof, Diogo Dalot, Sergio Reguilon and even Sofyan Amrabat have tried their hand at left-back. However, we, like many have longed for long awaited the return.
However, on his return, United fans have other ideas about where he could be utilised which could leave the left-back still in turmoil.
The importance Shaw has in Ten Hag’s plans can’t be understated, and when Ten Hag confirmed Shaw would be in contention to face Everton, there was one thought on United fan’s minds.
Manchester United fans call for Shaw to play at centre-back
With Shaw returning to the team, fans have been delighted and excited to see him back in action. One wrote: “Very happy with the Luke Shaw news, personnel is starting to come back in now. Should make a huge difference for us in the build-up, transitions and final third.”
One fan took to X, suggesting that Shaw move into centre-back: “Just throwing this out there. Is Luke Shaw going in as left-centre-back instead of left-back?”
This was followed by another who agreed the change would be perfect: “If you want to ease Luke Shaw back then sticking him at LCB for a month is PERFECT, requires far less running than LB and would improve the balance of the team massively.”
The idea to field him at centre-half isn’t completely left-field, given he was deployed there toward the back end of last season in the absence of Lisandro Martinez.
Why Shaw should be an option at centre-back
Shaw has a quality in his possession that no other player currently fit has, he has a technically blessed left foot. This quality alone should make the England international option number one.
The ability United’s number 23 has on his left foot opens up so many passing lanes for the Red Devils which allows for fluid build-up play.
This should also improve the speed at which they can transition and hopefully improve ball retention.
It will also protect him as he returns to action, with a role as a centre-half far less physically demanding than full-back.
For these reasons, Shaw could be an excellent choice to pair with Harry Maguire in defence.
